LOOKING BACK

After retiring a long-term debt to expand the city library, Rockdale's city tax rate was to drop almost 8 cents, from 55.16 to 47.4 cents.

The South Milam Count y United Way was working toward a $110,000 goal to benefit 24 area organizations.

First Baptist Church of Rockdale was ready to dedicate a historical marker commemorating its 125-year history.

Ten members of the Belton girls cross-country team were treated after their school bus collided with a car near Buckholts. Driver of the auto was killed.

TWENTY YEARS AGO....

Thorndale became a movie set for one day as a scene from "The Hot Spot," starring Don Johnson and Virginia Madsen, directed by Dennis Hopper, was filmed downtown.

Jon Kramer, Rockdale High School head football coach and athletic director, resigned before the first game, citing "health and personal reasons." Allen Sanders was named interim head coach and former head coach Billy Seale was appointed interim athletic director.

The Arboretum, a 45-bed, 13,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the care of Alzheimer's Disease patients was to open, employing 27 persons.

City council members voted to call for bids on water system improvements anticipated to cost about $60,000.

Lexington residents voted by an 81-5 margin to institute a one-cent city sales tax, estimated to generate about $9,000 in annual revenue.

Murray Avenue was an unobstructed throughway as the city council voted to remove stop signs at the Murray-Bowser corner. There were now no stop signs on Murray its entire length from Scarbrough to Calhoun.

City councilman Buck Henry told the council the city's newest police car had gone through four transmissions in less than a year and, even though repairs were paid under a warranty, asked the council to trade in the vehicle.